( original chapter set in season 3 ; family time )

Juniper loved to travel. As a superhero, her life was a whirlwind of responsibilities, leaving little time for rest or relaxation. It felt like every time she tried to take a break, another villain or natural disaster called her away. That's why her upcoming trip to New York meant so much. It wasn't just about sightseeing or indulging in her love for bustling city streets; it was about family. 

Her uncle, Micah, lived in the heart of Manhattan and had been begging her to visit for years. Micah wasn't just family; he was her rock during tough times. Whenever Juniper felt overwhelmed by the weight of her double life, a quick call to Micah always reminded her of who she was beneath the cape: just a small-town girl with big dreams.

Juniper could hardly contain her excitement as the plane landed. She didn't mind plane rides honestly. She always loved looking out the window to see the clouds and the landscape below. And with her headphones and some good music, it wasn't so bad. The only thing that could've made it better would've been Henry being there, too. She was going to miss him while she was away.

She looks over when she felt a gentle hand on her arm, finding her mom looking at her with a smile. "You excited?" Brynlee asked her daughter.

"Very," Juniper nods, returning her smile. "This is gonna be great. I haven't seen Uncle Micah in so long. Now I get to meet Alina too!" Micah and his wife recently had a baby girl. Alina was now a couple months old and was adorable as ever. With all the photos she seen of her, Juniper was excited to meet her new cousin in person.

Juniper's heart fluttered with excitement when the plane landed. She and her mom gathered their carry-on, and she followed her mom off the plane, slinging her backpack over her shoulder as her mom did the same. The thought of seeing Uncle Micah and meeting baby Alina filled her with warmth. She could already imagine Micah's bear hug, the smell of fresh bagels from the bakery near his apartment, and the adorable tiny coos of her new cousin. As they disembarked, Juniper glanced out at the towering skyline in the distance. New York's energy always managed to amaze her, despite having been there many times before. There was something about the city that made her heart race and her eyes sparkle with wonder.

As the pair approached the baggage claim, Juniper spotted a familiar figure waving at them. Her eyes lit up, and she hurried toward her uncle, unable to contain her excitement. Micah pulled her into a hug, his signature bear hug that always made her feel safe and loved. She grinned, hugging him tightly and closing her eyes, inhaling his scent, something she'd always associate him with.

"Hey, Juju," Micah greets her, using the nickname he gave her when she was a kid. She was used to it and even found it sweet that he still called her that. He released her and smiled warmly at her, ruffling her hair. "Look at you, all grown up. It's so good to see you."

"You too," Juniper smiles back at him, her eyes shining with happiness. "I've missed you."

"We both have." Brynlee spoke up, coming over and pulling him in for a hug. "It's good to see you, Micah."

Micah grins and hugs her back, always happy to see his older sister. "And it's good to see you, Bryn. How was the flight?"

"Good, thank you," She replies, smiling at him. "Just this girl couldn't stop talking about how excited she was to meet Alina." Brynlee said with a playful grin, nodding toward Juniper.

Micah laughed warmly, reaching out to ruffle Juniper's hair again. "Well, you're in for a treat. Alina is already the star of the show at home. Naomi says she's got me wrapped around her little finger, and honestly? She's right."

Juniper beams, her heart melting at the thought of finally meeting her tiny cousin. "I can't wait! I've seen so many pictures, but I bet she's even cuter in person."

Micah chuckles and nods, guiding his family to the exit. "Naomi's back at the house with her. You'll meet her soon."

The trio made their way through the bustling airport, chatting excitedly about their plans for the visit. Juniper clutched her backpack, her thoughts racing ahead to meeting baby Alina. Her uncle's warm laughter and her mom's playful teasing filled her with a sense of home, even amidst the busy New York crowd.

As they stepped outside, the cool city air greeted them, along with the cacophony of honking horns and distant street performers. Juniper smiled as she took in the lively atmosphere, her gaze darting to the iconic yellow cabs zipping by. Micah led them to his car, a practical but stylish SUV, and helped load their bags into the trunk. Juniper hopped into the back seat, her excitement bubbling over. She pulled her phone out when she got a message, smiling at seeing one from Henry asking if she got to NYC yet.

"Let me guess, by that smile, it's Henry?" Micah teased, starting the car. He hadn't seen the boy in awhile, but he's heard enough about him to know he was important to Juniper.

"Of course, who else?" She chuckled, quickly typing a response, letting him know that she had made it safely to New York and was heading to her uncle's apartment. She felt a little flutter of warmth at the thought of him checking in, but she pushed the feeling aside, eager to focus on the new memories she was about to make with her family.

As they cruised through the streets, the energy of New York seemed to wrap around them like a blanket. Juniper couldn't help but feel a buzz in her chest every time she saw the towering buildings, the billboards flashing with vibrant colors, and the mix of voices blending together in the air. She'd always loved the city's unique charm, and seeing her uncle driving through the streets brought back so many memories of the visits she made throughout her childhood.

The drive to her uncle's house in the outskirts of the city didn't take long, and as they neared his neighborhood, Juniper's heart pounded with anticipation. She could barely contain her excitement, fidgeting with the necklace she wore (one that Henry happened to give her for a birthday) and bouncing her leg. When the car finally pulled into the driveway, she was out of the car in an instant, practically vibrating with excitement.

"I take it she's excited to meet her?" Micah chuckled, glancing at his sister with amusement.

"Mhm, she's been waiting for this since you announced the news." Brynlee nods, smiling fondly. "She's really wanted to meet her."

"Well, let's not keep her waiting," Micah replies, getting out of the car and joining his niece. "Let's head in before Juju explodes from excitement."

Juniper rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She grabbed her bag and rushed toward the front door, not even bothering to wait for her uncle. She bounced impatiently, waiting for the door to open. The sound of keys jingling reached her ears, and the door swung open. Juniper's heart soared when she saw her aunt, Naomi, standing in the doorway.

"There's my favorite niece!" Naomi greeted, her voice full of warmth. She opened her arms, and Juniper immediately rushed into them.

"'M your only niece." She mumbled, but the smile never left her face. She hugged her aunt tightly, relishing the comfort of her familiar embrace.

"Doesn't mean you're not my favorite," Naomi replies, her tone teasing. "And look at you, all grown up. My gosh, you're practically a grown woman now. How did this happen?"

Juniper laughs, stepping back as she looks amused but smiles. "I'm not yet, but time flies, doesn't it? I feel like I was just here yesterday, visiting as a kid."

Naomi chuckles, her eyes soft with affection. "You've always had such a big heart, Juju. It's so good to have you back."

Juniper nods in agreement, smiling fondly, feeling the warmth of her aunt's words. "I've missed you so much, Naomi. I can't wait to finally meet Alina!"

Naomi's face lit up with pride. "She's been keeping us busy, that's for sure. But she's absolutely perfect." She stepped aside, gesturing for Juniper to come in. "Come on, she's right here. Let me introduce you to your little cousin."

Juniper practically skipped into the house, her eyes wide as she took in the familiar surroundings—this had always been her second home. The living room was cozy, filled with soft lighting and family photos, but what caught her attention immediately was the soft cooing sound coming from the nearby nursery. Naomi led her to the room, and Juniper's heart skipped a beat when she saw her. Alina was sitting in a soft pink crib, playing with a stuffed bunny. Her tiny fingers grasped the bunny's floppy ears, and as she noticed Juniper entering, her eyes lit up with curiosity. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she reached out toward Juniper, her chubby hands stretching toward her.

Juniper's heart melts at the sight. "Oh my gosh," Juniper whispers, kneeling down to get closer. "She's even cuter than I imagined."

Naomi smiles, standing next to her. "Told you. She's got that effect on everyone."

Micah joins them, chuckling as he nods. "We call it the Alina Charm. Can't resist it."

"Can't say I disagree," Juniper murmurs, watching her little cousin in awe. "She's just so precious. Oh, I'm gonna spoil her so much." She reaches out, grinning when one of Alina's little fingers wrap around her own. "You're so adorable. I'm so happy to finally meet you." She cooed, her heart swelling with love. The one year old stared back at her, her expression curious and innocent. A few minutes pass, and it's obvious Alina had grown a liking to her. She babbles happily, a toothless grin forming as she reached out for Juniper.

"Can I hold her?" She asked hopefully, glancing up at her aunt and uncle.

Naomi smiles warmly. "Of course you can, Juju. Let's take her to the living room, though. We have a lot to catch up on." She walked over to pick up her baby girl carefully, making sure she's snug and warm in her blanket.

Juniper follows her eagerly, and the four of them settle down on the couches. Alina rests in her lap, her little eyes fixed on Juniper. Juniper coos at her, smiling fondly. "You're gonna have to get used to this face, kiddo. We're gonna be besties." Alina babbled softly, reaching up with her hand to try and grab at Juniper's necklace.

"Ooo, looks like someone likes that pretty necklace," Naomi comments, a fond and curious expression on her face. "Where'd you get it, Juju?"

"Henry gave it to me for my birthday." She replied, her smile softening as she glanced down at the delicate lavender pendant.

"Henry? As in, the boy you've been crushing on?" Naomi teased earning a playful eye roll from Juniper.

"Pft, no," Juniper scoffs, her cheeks warming. "That's totally not why I wear it all the time. He's my best friend, you guys know this." She carefully made sure Alina still wasn't holding onto the necklace so she doesn't accidentally pull on it, smiling as the baby held her finger in a gentle grip. "I just...Like the necklace. It's special, that's all."

Naomi raises an eyebrow but smiled knowingly, clearly amused by her niece's flustered response. "Mhm, sure, Juju. Whatever you say." She teased lightly.

Juniper playfully stuck her tongue out at her, turning her attention back to her little cousin. Alina was watching her intently, her eyes wide with curiosity. She was fascinated by Juniper's necklace, her tiny fingers reaching for it whenever she had the chance. "Can I hold her now?" Juniper asked, looking up at her aunt.

"Of course, honey," Naomi replies, smiling softly. "Just be careful with her head. Support it while holding her." She instructed, helping her position the baby properly in her arms. She helped the sixteen year old make sure the little girl was secure, then sat back and watched the pair with a fond expression. Alina gazed up at her, a smile forming as she cooed happily. Juniper carefully cradled her cousin, her heart melting as the baby looked up at her with innocent eyes. She adjusted her hold, supporting Alina's tiny head with one hand, feeling a gentle warmth spread through her chest.

"You're so little, but so perfect." Juniper whispered, rocking gently back and forth.

Naomi, watching from the couch, couldn't help but smile at the sight. "You look like a natural with her."

Juniper glances up, her face soft with affection. "I can't wait to spend more time with her. I already feel like we're going to be best friends."

"I have no doubt," Naomi said, her voice full of pride. "She's lucky to have you as her big cousin."

Juniper smiles at the compliment, her attention returning to Alina. "Hey, little one, I'm going to spoil you so much, just wait." She chuckled softly, feeling an overwhelming sense of love and responsibility for the tiny person in her arms.

As they sat in the cozy living room, catching up on everything from old memories to current life updates, Juniper felt an undeniable sense of belonging. The familiar comfort of her aunt and uncle, mixed with the joy of meeting Alina, filled her heart in a way that was both calming and exhilarating. This trip to New York was already shaping up to be unforgettable. She glanced back down at Alina, who was now gently tugging at Juniper's finger, a tiny giggle escaping her as her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had already charmed her cousin, and Juniper couldn't wait to make more memories with her over the next few days. 

A/N a-lee-na is how you pronounce alina's name! wanted to do a chapter of juniper with her family since i havent really done that yet so then this helped you guys know more about her family!